The Nigerian Army has categorically denied allegations circulating in a trending video claiming that the establishment of the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs is part of a plot to Islamise Nigeria.
The video, which has been making rounds on social media, suggested that the creation of such an institution in a secular country like Nigeria could lead to crisis, citing examples of similar policies in countries like Turkey and Libya that allegedly resulted in ongoing national challenges.
In a statement released by the Army headquarters, the military described the allegations as "dead on arrival" and clarified that the Nigerian Army is a secular organization that upholds religious freedom for all its personnel.
"The Nigerian Army is a secular organisation that upholds the principle of religious freedom for all its personnel and ensures that personnel, irrespective of ranks, is free to practice their religions without any form of bias or endorsement of a specific religion," the statement read.
Multiple Religious Training Institutions
The Army further explained that it operates multiple religious training institutions to cater for the diverse faiths of its personnel. In addition to the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs located in Nigerian Army Cantonment Ikeja, Lagos, there is also the Nigerian Army Protestant Training School in Yaba and the Nigerian Army Chaplain Catholic Training School in Ojo Cantonment.
According to the statement, these schools frequently engage in interfaith collaborations, promoting unity and cohesion among the diverse members of the Nigerian Army.
"Our dedication to secularism is aimed at fostering a professional and inclusive environment where individuals can serve their country without fear of religious discrimination or bias," the Army emphasized.
Focus on Core Mandate
The viral video had urged the Army to focus on its primary responsibilities of fighting insecurity, bandits, and terrorists, as well as defending Nigeria's territorial integrity and secularism, rather than allegedly diverting from its mandate.
However, the Army maintained that its approach ensures that all officers and soldiers can practice their beliefs in a supportive and respectful setting while fulfilling their duties to the nation.
"The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of secularism and religious freedom, ensuring that all personnel can serve with dignity and respect for their individual beliefs," the statement concluded.
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